National Heatstroke Prevention Day is
Observed in May
by: Jessica Cuchilla HBPD
Published: May 6, 2026
HUNTINGTON BEACH...National Heatstroke Prevention Day is observed in May, and the Huntington Beach Police Department wants to remind parents and caregivers to always look before you lock, before walking away from a vehicle.
The yearly campaign is an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of vehicular heatstroke. Vehicular heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children 14 and younger in the United States. On average, 37 children in the U.S. die each year as a result of vehicular heatstroke.
“Parents and caregivers think this sort of tragedy could never happen to them,” Sgt Gerrit DeJong said. “These tragedies are 100% preventable. We’re reminding everyone: look before you lock, keep cars secure, and act immediately if you see a child alone in a vehicle. Quick action saves lives.”
Hot cars are deadly. Internal vehicle temperatures can quickly rise by 50 degrees above outside temperatures. Because a child’s body temperature increases 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s, even a cool day outside may still pose a threat to a child. Additionally, toddlers and young children are more likely to climb into a hot car and become trapped inside. Children “gaining access” to a vehicle account for nearly one-quarter of hot car deaths.
To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind to help prevent child heatstroke:
• Make it a habit to look in the back seat every time you get out of the car. Put something in the back seat that you won’t forget, such as a purse, phone, or wallet, as a reminder.
• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• Always lock the car and keep the keys out of reach.
• Teach your children that the vehicle is not a playground. Another main cause of vehicular heatstroke is when children gain access to an unlocked vehicle and are unable to get out.
The warning signs of heatstroke include red, hot, and moist or dry skin; no sweating; a rapid or weak pulse; nausea; confusion; or acting strangely.
If you see a child in a hot vehicle who appears distressed or unresponsive, call 9-1-1.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.